Soldiers complete two-week operation in volatile region led by Afghan forces
Canadian forces operating in Afghanistan’s volatile Kandahar province have completed their final combat operation in the region. Planned and executed by the Afghan National Army, the Canadians played a supporting role in the two-week long mission, where they advanced through the countryside, searching homes and meeting with elders. Even though Canada’s final combat operation is complete, members of the Royal 22nd Regiment will still be conducting routine patrols in the area, exposing themselves to improvised explosive devices and sporadic attacks by the Taliban. All of Canada’s combat troops are schedule to withdraw from Kandahar this summer, where Canadians have been based for over five years. Canadian forces are set to take on a non-combat role in Afghanistan, helping to train the Afghan army in Kabull. NATO troops are slated to withdraw completely by 2014.